Stop & Shop recognized for innovation

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QUINCY, Mass. — A Northeastern supermarket chain has made a business magazine's list of the top 10 most innovative companies in the food industry.

Stop & Shop, one of the U.S. banners owned by Dutch supermarket operator Royal Ahold, said it had made Fast Company magazine's list, thanks to such services as its Scan It! Mobile application, which the company bills as the first grocery app that allows customers to use their mobile device to scan, tally and receive personalized savings while they shop. The app was introduced in Stop & Shop stores in June 2011.

"Being recognized as an innovator by Fast Company for Scan It! Mobile is a tremendous honor," Stop & Shop New England division president Mark McGowan said. "Our goal is to make shopping easier for customers, and we are pleased by their positive response to the app. We're proud to be held in such high regard with other pioneering companies."

Fast Company bases its list on research into what is creating a buzz in the marketplace and being covered in the media, Stop & Shop said. Other companies that appeared on the list included Starbucks and Chipotle.